DISPLACEMENTS OF THE TIBIAL TUBEROSITY - EFFECTS OF THE SURGICAL PARAMETERS

A three-dimensional computer model is used, based on the finite elemen t method, to investigate the effects of 1-, 1.5-, and 2-cm tibial tube rcle elevations and of 0.5- and 1-cm medial displacements of the tuber osity performed with different bone shingles. Patellar kinematics and patellofemoral interface peak pressure, between 45 degrees and 135 deg rees of passive knee flexion are compared for these different surgical parameters with those of a normal knee not surgically treated. The sh ingle lengths of 3, 5, 7, and 10 cm have little influence on the resul ts. Augmenting tubercle medializations decrease the lateral peak press ure but result in an overpressure of the medial facet that is 154% of the normal peak value. With knee flexion between 45 degrees and 60 deg rees, increasing tubercle elevations decreases lateral and medial peak pressures, With flexion of more than 60 degrees, increasing elevation s decrease the lateral peak pressure, but they augment and even cause overpressure on the medial facet. An overpressure on the lateral facet also is seen in midrange knee flexion (75 degrees-90 degrees) for all tubercle elevation values. Increasing tubercle elevations and mediali zations appear to be the predominant parameters from a biomechanical p oint of view.